WO2012104755A1

WO2012104755A1 - Device for covering windowed cardboard boxes

Info

Publication number: WO2012104755A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/050365
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giovanni Broccolini; Lamberto Saletti
Original assignee: Europrogetti S.R.L.
Priority date: 2011-01-31
Filing date: 2012-01-26
Publication date: 2012-08-09
Also published as: IT1403570B1; ITFI20110016A1; EP2670588A1

Abstract

The present invention concerns the field of apparatuses for moulding and covering coated cardboard boxes and its object is a device for covering windowed boxes.

Description

DEVICE FOR COVERING WINDOWED CARDBOARD BOXES

DESCRIPTION

The present invention concerns the field of apparatuses for moulding and covering cardboard boxes.

As known, the manufacture of paper lined or "covered" cardboard boxes mostly takes place on automated production lines. These lines comprise different stations in which respective working machines are arranged; a typical production line comprises, for example, a glui ng apparatus for glu ing the coveri ng sheets, an apparatus for moulding and joining the corners of a cardboard box starting from a pre-cut flat blank, a centring apparatus of the box with respect to the pre-glued covering sheet, and, finally, a covering apparatus the wraps the pre glued sheet around the box, so that it becomes fully coated.

As far as the covering apparatus is concerned , in its simplest arrangement it comprises a working head consisting of a mould or mandrel, such as a parallelepiped block, fixed at one end of a stem linked with drive means for moving the stem-mould unit along a translation axis, corresponding to the direction of development of the stem (in most cases a substantially vertical direction). The translation of the mould , which has a shape corresponding to that of the box being worked upon , serves to make the same box be wrapped around, carrying out the necessary folds, by the paper covering sheet.

To this pu rpose in these types of working heads , a mou ld comprisi ng two modules juxtaposed along the working/translation axis is provided . I n practice, the mould comprises two blocks (normally parallelepiped) that have substantially the same contour when seen on a plane perpendicular to the translation axis. The special feature of such a mould is the fact that such modules can translate relative to one another along the translation axis to make it possible, for example, to keep the first module (the lower one, or the actual mould in the strict sense of the word) pressing the box (for example in the area corresponding to the bottom of the box), and to move the second module (upper module, normally referred to as counter-mould) away from it, to allow for the covering sheet to be folded over the top edge of the box.

The present invention concerns a device adapted to equip a covering apparatus of the aforementioned type, which advantageously makes it possible to automatically cover boxes in the bottom of which central or non-central windows are formed. To achieve such an object, the device according to the present invention has the essential characteristics defined by the first of the attached claims.

The characteristics and advantages of the device according to the invention will become clearer from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given as a non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a schematic and exploded perspective view of a device according to the invention;

- figure 2 is a front view of an apparatus for covering boxes equipped with the device according to the invention, in which some components have been omitted; in particular, in the figure it is possible to see a drive system for moving and supporting the device of figure 1 , along with locking means of the said drive system;

figure 3 is a perspective view of the drive system of figure 2 with the device according to the invention represented in an exploded fashion; and

figure 4 represents a schematic perspective view of a box to be covered arranged on a covering flat blank, partially folded; it is also possible to see a window formed at a central position in a bottom face of the box itself.

With reference to said figures, a box S (like the one represented in isolation in figure 4) with a covering sheet R is arranged on an automated production line like the one previously described, to be worked on a covering apparatus equipped with a covering device according to the invention in order to wrap the pre glued covering sheet R around the box S. In particular, the box S has an aperture or window F that, in the example described, is formed at a central position in a main face or bottom S1 of the box. The covering sheet R is in the example a cross-shaped sheet, with outer flaps A and B adapted to cover, as known, side walls S2 of the box 1 . The covering sheet R has also a window adapted to correspond with the window F, and inner flaps C and D to be folded around the edges of the window F, and to be glued over the inner face of the bottom S1 .

In order to be worked, the box S is stably arranged (with methods that are conventional as such, therefore not described in detail) on a stop unit 1 , shown in isolation in figure 1 . As will be described more clearly hereafter, the stop unit 1 is part, together with mould means 2, of the covering device according to the invention. The mould means 2 are adapted to move along a working direction X, normally vertical and perpendicular to the ground plane on which a basement of the apparatus (not shown) rests.

With reference for the moment to the stop unit 1 , it is carried and controlled by a drive system, an end lever 3 of which can be seen in figures 2 and 3. The drive system stands vertically substantially according to the working direction X.

In particular, the lever 3 supports a body 3a from which columns 3b rise up in the direction X, supporting the stop unit 1 at its lower side. Therefore, the drive system makes it possible to move the stop unit 1 in the direction X, modifying its elevation with respect to the ground plane. In the example, the lever 3 is pivotal with respect to the frame of the apparatus at an end 31 opposite the body 3a, and is thrusted centrally via a thrust member 32 driven by a motor, not shown.

In order to allow the stop unit 1 to be locked at a desired height from the ground, locking means 4 are provided, in the depicted embodiment, as one can see in figures 2 and 3 , comprise a clamp 40, like for example, but not for limiting purposes, a pneumatic clamp actuated by a pneumatic cylinder 41 , which grips a crossbar 30 integral with the lever 3, in order to prevent the same from moving. The clamp and the cylinder 41 are fixedly supported by the frame of the apparatus through a plate 42.

Again with reference to the stop un it 1 , it comprises three superimposed components and in particular a bottom base 10, a frame 1 1 and a box supporting top plate 12.

The base 10 is integral with the columns 3b and it generally has a profile substantially reproducing the outline of the box to be covered; therefore, in the described example it is rectangular in shape. The frame 1 1 and the top plate 12 rest on the base 10, on the opposite side with respect to that of connection with the columns 3b. In detail, the base 10, the frame 1 1 and the top plate 12, are assembled so as to be juxtaposed on one another according to the direction X so that the top plate 12 faces towards the mould means 2. The base 10, the frame 1 1 and the top plate 12 are also connected in a mutually sliding manner - again along the direction X - through corner spacers 15, which keep the aforementioned three components vertically spaced apart from one another or, under the action of the mould means (as will become clearer hereafter), allow them to become mutually tightened (again along the direction X) so as to allow the stop un it 1 to collapse. The spacers 1 5 have in fact a collapsable telescopic tubular structure, with inner springs (not shown) that in the absence of an external force keep the frame 1 1 and the top plate 12 lifted with respect to the base 10, in an expanded arrangement.

The top plate 12 constitutes the support for the box S; in particular, the bottom of the box will rest on an upper face 12a of the top plate, so that the side walls S2 of the box extend upwards (i.e. so that the inside of the box faces in the opposite direction to the ground). In order to allow more stable support of the box, the support plate can be lined with anti-slip material, like rubber or the like.

The top plate 12 is shaped so as to have an opening 12b (of a shape and size substantially corresponding to the window F) at the centre; a similar opening is that which is encircled by the frame 1 1 , and it is through said openings that tuck blades 13 can operate on the flaps C and D of the covering sheet R. In fact, the frame 1 1 , through tuck driving means 1 1 a, 1 1 b supports tuck blades 13 adapted to fold the inner flaps C and D of the covering sheet R over the edges defining the window F (see again figure 4 wherein the inner flaps C and D, contrary to the outer flaps A and B, are already folded).

To this purpose, the tuck blades 13 are adapted to rotate around the edges of the window starting from the rest position shown in the figures. The tuck driving means comprise driving arms 1 1 a that are each integral, besides to a blade 13, with an axle 1 1 b parallel with the respective edge of the window and supported by the frame 1 1 pivotally (around the axis of the axle) and slidably (according to a direction orthogonal with the edge so as the axle, and with it the arm and the blade, can be slightly displaced towards and away the edge). The arms 1 1 a project slanting downwards so as to rotatably engage at a second end - the first end being the end integral with the axle 1 1 b and with the blade 13 - with a block 10a connected with the base 10.

In the expanded condition the arrangement is such that the blades are kept at a rest position slanting downwards flush from the edges of the opening 12b of the top plate 12 as in figure 1 . This rest position is kept naturally stable due to gravity or assisted by elastic means. However, further to a displacement of the frame 1 1 close to the base 10, the arms 1 1 a are forced to rotate about the blocks 10a, and by this causi ng the axles 1 1 b to rotate a nd sl ightly d isplace towards the frame 1 1 . Consequently, also the blades 13 rotate and displace so as to be adapted to superimpose over the top face 12a of the plate 12 (when the latter has been pushed downwards, as made clearer hereafter).

The stop unit 1 , as mentioned, cooperates with the mould means 2. The mould means comprise a separable upper mould or counter-mould 20 and a lower mould 21 and are adapted to be driven along the working direction X as in a known apparatus. However, in a special feature of the present invention, the structure of the lower mould 21 is cup-shaped, i.e. concave with a concavity facing towards the stop unit 1 , so as to permit the movement of the tuck blades 13 through the opening 12b of the top plate 12.

In particular, the lower mould 21 has a peripheral frame 21 a from which slanting walls 21 b extend to join with a substantially flat bottom 21 c orthogonal with said working direction. The slanting walls 21 b and the flat bottom 21 c th us define a concavity facing towards the stop unit 1 to provide enough space for the action of the tuck blades 13 and the folding of the inner flaps C and D.

The apparatus arranged with the covering device as described above works therefore in the following way.

The mould means 2, are driven downwards according to the direction X, inside the box S previously arranged on the stop unit 1 , with the pre-glued covering blank R arranged in between. Before the lower mould 21 reaches the bottom S1 of the box S, the locking means 4 are switched on; the clamp 40 engages with the crossbar 30 preventing the movement of the drive system, and causing the stop unit 1 to be locked at the desired height from the ground.

Continuing to descend in the direction X, the lower mould 21 pushes the bottom of the box against the surface 12a of the top plate 12. The top plate approaches the frame 1 1 , with the blades 13 still remaining in the rest position. In this arrangement the blades project upwards from the surface 12a and through the opening 12b, and become housed within the concavity of the lower mould. Only when the lower mould, continuing its descent, forces also the frame 1 1 to displace downwards, so that the driving arms 1 1 a, and consequently the tuck blades, are made to rotate around respective rotation axes lying on the plane perpendicular to X and substantially corresponding with the edges of the window of the box, so as to push the covering flaps C and D upwards. To be more specific, the rotation of the tuck blades 13 allows the flaps C and D to be pushed up towards the slanting walls 21 b, as permitted by the concavity of the lower mould 21 .

Without any stop to their motion , the mould means keep on descendi ng according to the direction X, continuing the thrusting action on the stop unit the elements constituting the same tighten completely on one another; in particular, the top plate 12 and the frame 1 1 continue to fall, impacting on the base 10.

Therefore, to summarise, the stop unit 1 , under the thrusting action of the mould means 2, collapses from the expanded position, in which the elements that make it up are vertically spaced apart from one another, to a tightened position in which the elements are juxtaposed and in contact with one another.

As a consequence of the complete mutual tightening, there is automatically a progressive and further actuation of the blades 13 by the driving arms 1 1 a. The blades continue to rotate about the axles 1 1 b (the latter also slightly displacing towards the frame), tending to be arranged parallel with the bottom S 1 of the box S, so as to achieve the complete folding and adhesion of the flaps C and D to the same bottom of the box (as in figure 4).

Once the flaps have been completely folded around the window F, the clamp is 40 is disengaged from the lever 3, if necessary upon a slight lifting of the mould means 2, so that a downward movement of the stop unit 1 is now permitted. The folding of the outer flaps A and B over the walls S2 of the box can thus be carried out, exploiting the displaceable counter-mou ld 20. I n this step the apparatus works as a coveri ng apparatus according to the prior art, cooperating with stationary folding blades arranged below and not shown.

The invention therefore makes it possible to carry out, in a new and effective manner, the covering of boxes with windows, even non-central ones having any shape, with obvious preliminary adaptation in the structure (shape and number of openings) of the stop means 1 and of the mould means 2. Of course, a provision of various kits, each made for a different type of window and/or box, to be mounted in a replaceable manner on the covering apparatus, will make it possible to meet a multitude of production requirements. The tuck means 13 can be arranged along all of the edges of the said openings or only in some of them, as required by the circumstances.

The present invention has been described up to now with reference to its preferred embodiments. It should be understood that there can be other embodiments that take advantage of the same inventive core within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A box covering device to be associated with an apparatus for covering a box (S) with a covering sheet (R), by folding and glueing flaps (A, B, C, D) of the sheet (R) on walls (S1 , S2) of the box (S), said device comprising box stop means (1 ) and mould means (2) adapted to be connected, respectively, to respective drive systems of the apparatus, for driving the box stop means (1 ) and the mould means (2) along a working direction (X), said stop means (1 ) comprising sheet flap tuck means (13) and said mould means (2) comprising an upper mould (20) and a lower mould (21 ), mutually displaceable, the device being characterised in that at least one opening (12b) is formed in said stop means (1 ), said tuck means (13) being arranged on said stop means (1 ) facing said opening (12b), whereby said tuck means are adapted to fold at least some of said flaps (C, D) over the edges of a window (F) formed in a base of said box when said window is made to correspond with said opening, the device being further characterised in that said lower mould (21 ) has a concave shape permitting the movement of said tuck means (13) through said opening (12b).

2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein said tuck means (13) are mounted on said stop means so as to move around the edges of said opening (12b).

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said stop means (1 ) have a collapsable structure with respect to said working direction, whereby upon a pushing action of said mould means (2) the support means collapse from an expanded arrangement to a tightened arrangement, drive means (1 1 a, 1 1 b) being further provided to drive a rotation of said tuck means (13), responsive to said stop means (1 ) passing from said expanded arrangement to said tightened arrangement.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein said stop means (1 ) comprise a base (10), a frame (1 1 ) and a box supporting top plate (12) mutually superimposed in said working direction (X), said top plate (12) facing toward said mould means (2) while said base (10) comprises connection means to the drive system of the apparatus, said base (10), said frame (1 1 ) and said top plate (12) being mutually connected via mobile spacer means (15).

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said mobile spacer means comprise slidable spacers arranged at the corners of said base (10), said frame (1 1 ) and said top plate (12).

6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said tuck means comprise tuck blades (13) driven by said tuck drive means (1 1 a, 1 1 b) each comprising a driving arm (1 1 a) integral with an axle (1 1 b) parallel with the respective edge of the window and pivotally supported by the frame (1 1 ), said arm (1 1 a) being linked with said base (10) so as to be controlled by the approaching of the frame (1 1 ) to the base (10).

7. The device according to any of the previous claims, comprising lock means (4) for locking the movement of said base (10) along said working direction (X).

8. The device according to any of the previous claims, wherein said lower mould (21 ) comprises a peripheral frame (21 a), slanting walls (21 b) extending from said frame, and a substantially flat bottom (21 c) joined with said slanting walls and orthogonal with said working direction.

9. A box covering apparatus comprising or adapted to be associated with a device according to any of the previous claims.